Question Period Note: Southern Resident Killer Whale

Why isn’t more being done to protect the Southern Resident Killer Whale?

• Our government is committed to the protection and recovery of the iconic Southern Resident killer whales, and has taken significant steps to address key threats to the population.
• On April 29th, the Government announced enhanced measures for 2022 for the fourth year in a row to support recovery of this population through management measures to their prey (salmon) and minimize disturbance from vessels.
• These actions will help protect the whales’ access to salmon while minimizing impacts to fishers and coastal communities.

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• Two distinct populations of resident killer whales, known as the Northern and Southern Residents, occupy the waters off the west coast of British Columbia.
• In 2001, COSEWIC designated Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) as ‘Endangered’, and Northern Resident killer whales as ‘Threatened’. Both populations are listed in Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2003.
• SRKW’s have approximately a 30 per cent live birth rate and neonate mortality is approximately 43 per cent, so the Department is cautiously optimistic regarding the new calves.
• There are currently 12 whales from J and L pods which are identified in poor body condition and at high risk of mortality. Based on the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s recent body condition reporting from fall-spring 2021-2022 surveys by SR3), Four additional whales (J27, J44, J49, and L90) were included to this list and are at high risk of mortality.
• The SRKW is considered to be at risk because of its small population size, low reproductive rate, and the existence of a variety of anthropogenic threats that have the potential to prevent recovery or to cause further declines.
• Principal among these anthropogenic threats are reductions in the availability of prey (Chinook salmon is the main prey item), both physical and acoustic disturbance, and environmental contamination.
• Actions on many of the recovery measures identified in the Resident Killer whale recovery strategy are underway.
• In May 2018, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that SRKWs are facing imminent threats to their survival and recovery.
• The approach for the 2022 management measures was informed by a number of new peer-reviewed research papers, along with lessons learned from previous years, and engagement and consultation with Indigenous groups, stakeholders, and the public.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of any one management measure is challenging, but the Southern Resident Killer Whale Accountability Framework tracks trends over time regarding monitoring and understanding Southern Resident Killer Whales, reducing threats and activating support for population recovery.
• On April 29, 2022, the government announced a suite of management measures for the fourth year in a row. These measures include:
• Two new Seasonal Slowdown Areas near Swiftsure Bank, in which all vessels will be restricted to a maximum speed of 10 knots, in effect from June 1 to November 30, 2022.
• A mandatory vessel approach distance whereby vessels must stay at least 400 m away from all killer whales in southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. This is in effect year-round until May 31, 2023.
• A renewed agreement with local whale watching and ecotourism industry partners to once again not offer or promote tours focused on Southern Resident killer whales.
• Continuation of the two Interim Sanctuary Zones off the coasts of Pender Island and Saturna Island from June 1 to November 30, 2022. No vessel traffic will be permitted in these areas during this period, subject to certain exceptions for emergency situations and Indigenous vessels.
• Expanded fishery closures in effect for commercial and recreational salmon fisheries in 2022 in a portion of Swiftsure Bank, southern Gulf Islands, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and near the Mouth of the Fraser River. Fishing closures were modified compared to 2021 based on new science advice regarding whale presence, their foraging areas, and impacts of vessel disturbance, and feedback from Indigenous groups, stakeholders and the public.
• The southern Gulf Islands fishing closure protocol for commercial and recreational salmon fisheries was in effect again in 2022. Closures were triggered by the first confirmed presence of Southern Resident killer whales in the area, which initiated the implementation of salmon fishing closures from May 27 until October 31. Monitoring in the area began on May 5.
• The Marine Mammal Regulations remain in effect year-round, and require maintaining a minimum 200 metre approach distance from all killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters other than those described above, and 100 metres for other whales, porpoises and dolphins or 200 metres when the animal is in resting position or with a calf.
• The Government of Canada continues to promote voluntary guidelines and best practices to protect killer whales including encouraging fishers to temporarily stop fishing (and not haul gear) when within 1000m of a killer whale, reduce speed to less than 7 knots within 1000m of a killer whale, turn off fish finders and echo sounders and when safe to do so, place engine in neutral idle and allow animals to pass if a vessel is not in compliance with approach distances.
• Canada continues to work collaboratively with the U.S. federal government and the Washington state government to share research and align management actions where possible.

If pressed on the economic impact of closures
• Expanded fishery closures are in effect for commercial and recreational salmon fisheries in 2022 in a portion of Swiftsure Bank, Southern Gulf Islands, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, near the Mouth of the Fraser River.
• Gulf Island salmon closures were implemented based on Southern Resident Killer Whale confirmed presence more than one month earlier than in 2021.
• The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous groups and stakeholders to inform the development of the 2023 management measures. We continue to adapt our annual approach to address key threats to the population based on the best available information.